NEIL PAYS PRICE FOR A POOR RUN OF RESULTS AT PRESTON

PRESTON have parted company with boss Alex Neil after a dismal run of one win in nine games. North End had a turbulent January window in which they lost three of their star players and made nine signings — six of which were loans. The former Hamilton manager was left disgruntled by the mass changes and subsequent performances were poor. ‘He leaves us with our thanks,’ read a club statement, which confirmed Frankie McAvoy would take interim charge. Saturday’s 1-0 loss at home to Luton was the final match of Neil’s three-and-a-half-year reign. He admitted after the match: ‘I’ll have a tough few days just processing where we are and what is needed.’